Pottahawk Safety Reminders from Norfolk OPP

Friday, 10 July 2026 05:49

Thousands of people will be heading out to Pottahawk Point for the annual gathering this Sunday.

LAKE ERIE - Tons of people will be flocking to Norfolk County for Pottahawk Point gathering this weekend

Community Engagement Officer with the Norfolk OPP Andrew Gamble says it's always on the second Sunday in July, and it attracts thousands of people each year.

"Sunday is a very big day for boaters and boating enthusiasts who are heading out to Pottahawk Point on Lake Erie. Believe it or not, people can have an enjoyable day and a safe day all at the same time. We are asking anyone who is attending to prioritize their safety and the safety of others throughout the day."

Gamble says there will be officers present at local marinas and patrolling Lake Erie throughout the day, along with area roadways, focusing on unsafe driving behaviours, including impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and failure to wear a seatbelt. He adds impaired operation of boats, missing or stranded people, and boaters without a safe way to get back to the shore are incidents they have to respond to every year.

Gamble also has this important reminder for those attending this weekend.

"Boaters are very much aware of what safety equipment is required on board their vessel at all times, but we do need to emphasize the importance of wearing life jackets, and they do save lives."

Other tips to make sure everyone is safe include the following;

- Never operate a boat while impaired. Impaired boating carries the same consequences as impaired driving on the road,

- Ensure your vessel is equipped with all required safety equipment,

- Check weather and marine conditions before you leave and monitor the changing conditions throughout the day,

- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return,

- Carry a reliable means of communication, such as a VHF radio or fully charged cellphone,

- Carry your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). You should also designate a sober operator with a valid PCOC to ensure a safe trip back to shore,

- Know your vessel's capacity and make sure you don't overload it.

Vessel checks will be conducted to ensure operators have the required safety equipment and are complying with applicable boating laws. Designated safety lanes must remain clear at all times to allow emergency personnel to respond quickly when needed.